Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/category/grow/fortune-folly-of-a-female-farmer/)
For 16 years, I’ve lived across the street from one of the most beautiful places in Connecticut. The McLean Game Refuge is true luxury on top of the beauty of our rural farm town.
My husband and I are the third generation to work on his family farm. My father-in-law detailed income and expenses out on a piece of paper at the kitchen table when we talked about taking over, but it has taken us 15 years to get to a comfortable spot in our farm finances and will take us years more to create something that we want to hand down to our kids.
When we took over the farm, our goal was to have the farm “pay for itself.” My husband had the off-farm job that would support our family expenses.
One of the great benefits of being a farmer is knowing where to get the best food. You don’t have to farm in the same town for generations and generations to find where the best food in your area is.
My husband had a terrible accident six weeks ago and has been recovering with baby steps back to health since. And, in this darkest time for our family, our community has been the light that shines through.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., over a dozen Granby farms will open their gates to the public. Experience the variety of agriculture that Granby has to offer.
I get asked a lot, “Are your cows grass fed?” A fair question, right?
We are about to watch another cornfield in town get developed—houses, condos, roads and driveways. I’m sure the people who will live there would love our little farm town.
Since I’ve become a farmer, I’ve learned so much about our food system. It has drastically changed the way our family eats.
I’m not sure our kids know they are growing up on a farm. Ever since they can remember there have been animals, lots of space and plenty of dirt.
I’ve vowed to be positive, so don’t get me wrong: life is hard. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.